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Publix Parking Lot Brawl Lands Two Bay County Men in Cuffs
Two Men Charged After Machete and Hatchet Fight in Publix Parking Lot
Important Note: This article covers a violent incident involving weapons. Reader discretion is advised.
What Happened: The Short Version
Two men got into a serious fight in a grocery store parking lot in Panama City, Florida. One had a hatchet (a small axe), the other had a machete (a large, heavy knife). Both men were badly hurt and went to the hospital. Now, both face serious criminal charges.
How the Fight Started
According to the police report (called an affidavit), here’s what happened step by step:
- Everette Kirchbabum and a woman were standing in the Publix parking lot on Highway 231.
- James Gay — the woman’s ex-boyfriend — drove up to them.
- An argument broke out between the two men.
- Kirchbabum pulled out a hatchet to try to scare Gay away.
- Instead of leaving, Gay went to his car and got a machete.
- Kirchbabum told police that Gay hit him in the face and head with the machete, knocking him unconscious.
- The woman who was there recorded video of the fight and gave it to the police.
Key Detail: Both men were injured and taken to the hospital. The weapons involved — a hatchet and a machete — are considered deadly weapons under the law.
Who Is James Gay? His Past Criminal History
James Gay has a prior conviction in Bay County from 2011. It was a very serious case known as the "Vampire Cult Murder."
Here’s what happened in that case:
- Gay was 16 years old at the time.
- He was convicted for starting an unprovoked attack on another 16-year-old, Jacob Hendershot.
- Hendershot was beaten to death by two other men after Gay started the fight.
- The attack was supposedly retaliation because a woman named Stephanie Pistey claimed Hendershot had raped her.
- Pistey claimed to be a vampire — which is where the case got its nickname.
- Investigators later said her claim was false.
- Gay was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role.
Why This Matters: This past conviction shows a history of violent behavior, which may affect how the current case is handled.
Arrests and What Happens Next
| Person | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Everette Kirchbabum | Arrested | Found hiding at a home in Vernon (Washington County) by the Sheriff’s Office. First court appearance scheduled for Thursday morning. |
| James Gay | In Jail | Being held at the Bay County Jail on a $50,000 bond. |
Both men are charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon — a felony (a very serious crime) that can lead to many years in prison if convicted.
What We Don’t Know Yet
- Police declined interview requests.
- Body camera footage was requested but had not been received at the time of this report.
- The woman’s identity has not been released.
- The exact condition of both men after the hospital is unknown.
Summary
- A fight broke out in a Publix parking lot in Panama City, FL.
- Everette Kirchbabum and James Gay (the woman’s ex-boyfriend) argued.
- Kirchbabum showed a hatchet; Gay responded with a machete.
- Gay allegedly struck Kirchbabum in the head and face, knocking him out.
- Both men hospitalized; both charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
- Gay has a prior conviction in the 2011 "Vampire Cult Murder" case.
- Kirchbabum arrested in Vernon; Gay held on $50,000 bond.
- Video evidence exists; body cam footage not yet released.
FAQ: Questions You Might Have
1. What is "aggravated battery with a deadly weapon"?
It’s a serious felony charge. "Battery" means intentionally touching or hitting someone against their will. "Aggravated" means it was made worse — here, by using a deadly weapon (like a machete or hatchet). This charge can carry 15+ years in prison in Florida.
2. Why was James Gay only sentenced to 15 years for a murder?
In the 2011 case, Gay did not deliver the fatal blows — he started the fight, but two other men beat the victim to death. He was charged based on his role in starting the attack, not for directly killing the victim. The court sentenced him accordingly.
3. What is a "hatchet" vs. a "machete"?
- A hatchet is a small, one-handed axe — like a camping tool.
- A machete is a long, heavy knife (12–24 inches), often used for cutting brush.
- Both are legally considered deadly weapons when used in a fight.
4. Can the video the woman recorded be used in court?
Yes. Video evidence from a witness can be very powerful in court — it shows what really happened. The prosecution will likely use it to prove who did what.
5. What happens at a "first appearance" in court?
It’s the first time the defendant sees a judge after arrest. The judge:
- Tells them the charges
- Checks if they have a lawyer (or appoints one)
- Decides on bail/bond (or keeps them in jail)
- Sets future court dates
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